Thread: How to remove tie rod end from steering knuckle??

Hi All,

Trying to remove my steering arms and replace them with the HD Britpart items I got and am having trouble removing the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle.

Was told to hit the tie-rod end in a particular way and it should pop out but that's a no go and I'm not sure if brute force is going to remove it or damage something.

I've done a search and most threads are on removing the tie rod ends from the drag link. It seems I cant even get that far. Seems the logical thing to do would be to bash them up (retaining nuts are removed) but that doesn't seem to work.

Anybody got any tips??

start by undoing the nut level to the end of the thread, place your jack under this and put a little weight on it (dont lift the vehicle get it to touching then one or 2 pumps more) for the one thats on the axle side. now grab your heaviest hammer (I have in moments of desperation in the field been known to use the back of an axe) and hit the end of the arm, HARD. Not some namby love tap like you were driving a tent peg on the beach but the kind of hit that lets it know that your actual intent is to relocate the arm from its current location at the front of the vehicle down to somewhere near the towball (even if that means taking the whole axle assembly with it) or under the car/house in fro

It'll come, if it doesnt. Swear at it mention that if it doesnt come this time that your going to go and get the gas axe and hit it again but harder and with a bigger hammer if you have one.

if that doesnt work go and get one of those paint stripping heat guns or a butane/propane/BBQ bottle torches (even one of those mini disposable lighter powered torches will do the job) and heat the arm up 90 degrees around from where you are going to hit it. then hit it again.

IF that doesnt work its time for the 2 hammers approach if you need that let me know and I'll describe it to you.

removing the one from the steering box should be about the same however instead of jacking directly on the rod end you need to use a lever (I use a 6 foot crow bar) and the jack to get some downforce on the joint and then hit it again.